At Bell Oaks, we understand the critical role we play in supporting our candidates and assisting you throughout the search process. Our consultative, relationship-driven philosophy drives us to ensure that your career growth and professional goals are considered every step of the way. Our consultants are knowledgeable resources available to you, as well as some of the tools you will find here.
Script Ideas for LinkedIn When Reaching Out Via InMail
By Randy Hain, Managing Partner of Bell Oaks
One of the biggest challenges I hear from people about using LinkedIn is “What do I say when I reach out to people?” To alleviate that issue, I have developed scripts to be used when communicating via InMail on LinkedIn. These scripts have been tried and work effectively to solicit a response from who you are trying to reach.
Job Search Land Mines
By Randy Hain, Managing Partner of Bell Oaks
I am an observer. People fascinate me and I enjoy listening to their stories, challenges and triumphs. As managing partner of Bell Oaks Executive Search, I have interviewed and spoken with thousands of individuals in career transition over the last 10 years. These interactions, along with my other experiences in executive search, have helped me develop a firm opinion about the obstacles that often deter people from landing a new job. Let’s call these obstacles land mines.
The image in your minds right now is probably of someone stepping on a hidden explosive device buried in the ground. In a job search, there are an endless series of land mines, often of our own making, which prevent well-intended candidates from reaching their goal of a new career opportunity.
Job Search 101: A Tool Kit for Job Seekers
By Randy Hain, Managing Partner of Bell Oaks
Based on interviews with literally thousands of job candidates, author Randy Hain shares the collective wisdom and experience of the partners and consultants at Bell Oaks on how to effectively manage a job search through four phases: Losing Your Job & Starting Your Search; Building A Network; Interviewing; and Negotiating an Offer & Landing a Job.
"Many of the candidates we meet are specifically recruited for searches we are running for clients, many are referred from our large network and others seek us out because of our reputation for treating candidates professionally and offering candid, helpful advice. As you can imagine in these difficult economic times, we are dealing with a large population of good people affected by corporate layoffs. Our company has observed common threads which link the vast majority of these candidates together.
There is no guarantee that a new job will result from these suggestions, but we do have the unique perspective of interviewing thousands of candidates and interacting with hundreds of clients to gain insight into best practices and “what works.” The following information is a collection of the on-target strategies we have observed, but you should always feel comfortable experimenting and thinking creatively when developing your own strategy for finding a new career."
Practical LinkedIn 2.0
By Randy Hain, Managing Partner of Bell Oaks
I wrote the first version of this article well over a year ago. Much has changed in the world of social networking with the explosive growth of Twitter and Facebook and it is clear that how we build personal and business connections is ever evolving. In my view the best tool for connecting business people is still LinkedIn. It focuses on connecting business professionals and doesn’t bore you with the minutiae of Twitter or the more social, casual focus of Facebook although both are gaining popularity among recruiters to find candidates.
Connecting … The Forgotten Art of Social Interaction
By Randy Hain, Managing Partner of Bell Oaks
First and foremost, this is not another article on networking. Most business people have been inundated by countless tips on how to meet people and exchange business cards. This is also not an article on building relationships. I’m talking about the often-overlooked, elemental skill you need before you can form a true relationship or become adept at productive and meaningful networking … the forgotten art of connecting.
Keys to a Successful Interview
How often do you get a first chance to make a great impression? More importantly, how often will that opportunity materially affect where you work, where you live, who you interact with, how much you earn and the general course of your life? There are very few experiences in your professional career like an employment interview.
Counteroffer Acceptance: Road to Career Ruin
By Paul Hawkinson
The litany of horror stories I have come across in my years as an executive recruiter, consultant and
publisher, provides a litmus test that clearly indicates counteroffers should never be accepted … EVER!
Sample Resignation Letter
A sample resignation letter that you may customize and send to your current employer. Remember to keep it short and professional.
